Elizabeth could safely say that it was a great happiness where that was the case, and with equal sincerity could add, that she firmly believed and rejoiced in his domestic comforts. She was not sorry,however,to have the recital of them interrupted by the lady from whom they sprang.Poor Charlotte!it was melancholy to leave her to such society!But she had chosen it with her eyes open; and though evidently regretting that her visitors were to go,she did not seem to ask for compassion.Her home and her housekeeping,her parish and her poultry,and all their dependent concerns,had not yet lost their charms.
Elizabeth was eager with her thanks and assurances of happiness. She had spent six weeks with great enjoyment; and the pleasure of being with Charlotte,and the kind attentions she had received, must make her feel the obliged. Mr. Collins was gratified,and with a more smiling solemnity replied:
“You may, in fact, carry a very favourable report of us into Hertfordshire,my dear cousin.I flatter myself at least that you will be able to do so. Lady Catherine's great attentions to Mrs. Collins you have been a daily witness of;and altogether I trust it does not appear that your friend has drawn an unfortunate―but on this point it will be as well to be silent.Only let me assure you, my dear Miss Elizabeth,that I can from my heart most cordially wish you equal felicity in marriage.My dear Charlotte and I have but one mind and one way of thinking.There is in everything a most remarkable resemblance of character and ideas between us. We seem to have been designed for each other.”